Delve into the essence of this modern reinterpretation of a timeless classic. Discover its innovative bottle design, reminiscent of a polished drop of water, blending elegance with functionality, and reflecting Chanel’s legacy of femininity and enduring beauty
Words DOMENICO COSTANTINI
A woman who doesn’t wear perfume has no future.This resolute statement by Coco Chanel reflected her revolutionary vision of perfume as an indispensable extension of a woman’s femininity and personality. Chanel, one of the most influential fashion figures of the 20th century, always considered perfume not merely an accessory but a distinctive mark of one’s identity. The legendary story of Chanel N°5 began in 1921, at a time when Coco had already cemented her success in the fashion world, having opened her boutique in Paris. Dissatisfied with the conventional floral scents of the time, Chanel decided to create a fragrance that was innovative, complex, and modern.
To realise her vision, she turned to chemist Ernest Beaux, who combined natural and synthetic essences, including aldehydes, an element that allowed the perfume to have extraordinary longevity. After trying several compositions, Coco Chanel chose the fifth essence proposed by Beaux, a complex bouquet based on musk and jasmine. This number was not chosen randomly: five was Coco’s lucky number and the day she launched her collection, May 5th. Thus, Chanel N°5 was born, a fragrance that embodied the essence of modern femininity.
In 2016, Olivier Polge, Perfumer Creator of the House of Chanel, reinterpreted this timeless classic with N°5 L’Eau. This new version is characterised by a vibrant and contemporary freshness, with top notes of citrus enhanced by aldehydes, a floral heart of jasmine, rose, and ylang-ylang, and a warm base of vetiver and cedar. L’Eau was conceived to be a lighter and more carefree version of the original while maintaining its complexity and depth.
The innovation of N°5 L’Eau did not stop at the olfactory composition. Sylvie Legastelois, Director of Packaging Creation and Graphic Identity at Chanel, designed a limited edition bottle that represents a significant departure from tradition. For the first time, N°5 L’Eau is presented in a small, oval, and transparent bottle, reminiscent of a drop of water polished by time. This design, sinuous and manageable, encases the fragrance in a coveted object that combines solidity and delicacy, perfectly reflecting the balance of the fragrance within.
The new bottle is a celebration of Chanel’s artistry and craftsmanship, merging aesthetics and functionality in a way that makes it both a collectible piece and a practical accessory to carry everywhere. The rounded lines and ethereal appearance of the bottle evoke a sense of lightness and movement, as if it captures a ray of light in its purest form. Chanel N°5 is not just a perfume; it is a cultural icon that has traversed nearly a century of history, maintaining its relevance and allure. Since its debut, it has been worn by some of the world’s most influential and captivating women, solidifying its status as a symbol of elegance and refinement.
